Zephyr sailors are passionate about their boats - so much so that in 2019 three different model Zephyrs were revealed on our community Facebook group.
Chris Bridges from Canterbury, Paul Pearson from Auckland and Llewellyn Viljoen also from Auckland have all independently laboured over designs and craftmanship, constructing several different model Zephyrs. Paul's first model Zephyr is a beautiful 15% scale model, and the build process has been documented in the video below. He also has made a half model Zephyr to hang on the wall under his father's half model. Chris has now built four remote control model Zephyrs with several different rigs designed to suit various conditions. His RC Zephyrs have been regularly raced at Pegasus Radio Control Club by himself and daughter Cathryn (another Zephyr sailor), and frequently sailed in the Queen Charlotte Sounds from the deck of the family launch. Llew's model Zephyr is also radio controlled, and emulates the construction of the 600 series Zephyrs. "Blueprint" has been trialled on Auckland Harbour, and we are looking forward to seeing Llew and Chris' RC yachts race at some point!
This new hobby clearly has some interest in the Zephyr community, and is testament to the boatbuilding skillset held within the Zephyr class.